Module CLAS2671: ATHENS, SPARTA AND THE GREEK WORLD: FROM THE PERSIAN WAR TO THE BATTLE OF MANTINEA

Department: Classics and Ancient History

CLAS2671: ATHENS, SPARTA AND THE GREEK WORLD: FROM THE PERSIAN WAR TO THE BATTLE OF MANTINEA

Prerequisites

• CLAS1601

Corequisites

• None

Excluded Combination of Modules

Aims

• To introduce students to the study of the most important developments in Greek History during the Classical period (fifth and early fourth century). The module will include use of evidence, problem-solving, and essay work.

Content

• The module focuses on the political and social history of 5th and early 4th century Greece. Topics will thus include the formation of the Delian league, the bipolarism Sparta-Athens, the Peloponnesian war, Spartan Imperialism and Failure, the Second Athenian League, the Theban hegemony; but also social and institutional aspects, such as changes in the modes of warfare (hoplites versus navy), or differences in the institutions and practices of various Greek poleis (for instance Sparta, Thebes, Argos).
• Special attention will be given to evaluation of sources; selected inscriptions in translation will also be examined.

Learning Outcomes

• Principal socio - historical developments in the 5th and early 4th century BC Greece, and to some extent in Asia Minor and the Near East.
• An overview and understanding of the relevant literary and inscriptional evidence and insight into source-specific problems, as well as a basic grasp of the current scholarly debates pertaining to 5th and early 4th century history.

• Ability to apply methodology appropriate for the type of evidence.
• Ability to develop analytical and evaluative skills in handling the sources.
• Ability to use and understand modern scholarship when formulating an argument.

• Justifiable critical approach to a variety of heterogeneous sources, including analytical and evaluative skills.
• Justifiable critical approach to modern scholarly literature, based on understanding of a given argument.
• Capability to synthesize and formulate a plausible, clear and persuasive argument in writing.

Modes of Teaching, Learning and Assessment and how these contribute to the learning outcomes of the module

• Lectures will introduce students to the relevant sources, and modern approaches in historical interpretation.
• Text classes will provide an opportunity to dissect modern accounts of the fourth century BC history into the basic elements they stem from, and will invite students to try to formulate their own argument or support an existing one with their own assumptions.
• Essays will test their capability to synthesize and formulate a plausible argument.
• Tutorials give students a chance to present and develop their own argument.

Teaching Methods and Learning Hours

Summative Assessment

Formative Assessment:

1 formative essay 2000 words maximum.

■ Attendance at all activities marked with this symbol will be monitored. Students who fail to attend these activities, or to complete the summative or formative assessment specified above, will be subject to the procedures defined in the University's General Regulation V, and may be required to leave the University